Why did the Vatican, in 1969, bestow the "Pacem In Terris" ("Peace on Earth) award upon community activist/militant, and "Rules for Radicals" author Saul Alinsky? Our current president was an ardent admirer of Alinsky's questionable tactics. Alinsky is quoted as saying that 'if there is an afterlife, and if he had anything to say about his fate, he would choose to go to Hell. Yet this man was recognized for this award? What's going on here?

Answer by Judie Brown on 10/5/2012:

Chris

The award is not given by the Vatican. Here is the history of it as recorded on
WIKIPEDIA:

The award was begun, in 1963, by the Davenport Catholic Interracial Council[2] of
the Diocese of Davenport in the U.S. state of Iowa. Since 1976, the award has
been presented each year by the Quad Cities Pacem in Terris Coalition. In 2010,
sponsors of the award were the Diocese of Davenport, St. Ambrose University,
Augustana College, Churches United of the Quad-Cities, Pax Christi, The Catholic
Messenger, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, the Sisters of St. Benedict,
the Muslim Community of the Quad Cities, and the Sisters of St. Francis.[3]